Offense: No changes to the starters Line: The guy who was originally injured in the Spring working at center, 6-5 300 Sophomore Tackle Vince Clarke has reappeared as the backup for Trai Essex. For the first time, the Cats can show 2 different guys at each position up front. Last week we saw what having freshman center Trevor Rees and Soph guard Greg Lutzen available did in key situations, allowing starting center, Junior Matt Ulrich to both rest and play his natural position - Left Guard. With Clarke back, RS Frosh Rich McDole can concentrate on backing up RS Soph Zach Streif at Right Tackle. Backs: This week will mark the appearance of Freshman QB Chris Malleo [6-3 220] on the 2 deep as the #4 QB. If all the predictions we've read about Chris from when he played in prep school last year come true, he should be challenging RS Frosh Alexander Webb for the backup position. Once again, maybe a 3 way QB controversy in Evanston? Defense: Two changes to the starters... D-Backs: It would appear that Junior Dominique Price [6-0 210] has secured a start at safety against OSU. One good piece of news, Louis Ayeni appears to be recoving nicely from his Shoulder injury, and is listed as the #2 behind Torri Stuckey at Safety also. Junior Marvin Ward, who filled in for Stuckey at safety against Air Force, and who was backing up at corner, is listed as the starting left cornerback for Ohio State. Of course the defensive 2-Deep can be deceptive. The Cats will start in their traditional 4-3-4, drop into a 3-4-4, or even a 3-3-5 defense depending on the situation. That 5 D-back set brings in almost everyone, and you can't forget the contributions of Bryan Heinz, the walk-on freshman who's filling in very well at Safety.
